YOUR GUIDE TO NECK REJUVENATION: THE SPECTRUM FROM NON-SURGICAL TO SURGICAL TREATMENTS
The neck, an extension of the face that is often overlooked during aesthetic rejuvenation, is an area that is equally as susceptible to the aging process. At AIREM, we offer nonsurgical and surgical options to sculpt, tighten, and define the neckline, reestablishing the balance between the face and neck.
In this guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of neck rejuvenation. Keep in mind, there is no hard or fast rule that determines which option is best for you, and the goal is to create a customized treatment plan consisting of cosmetic procedures and skincare products to address your specific concerns and achieve your desired outcomes.
The first step is understanding the anatomy of the neck and what exactly is being affected. There are four main components to the neck:
SKIN
This is the most superficial layer of the neck. Due to loss of collagen and elastin over time, the skin can become loose and lax, resulting in crepiness and wrinkles.
SUBCUTANEOUS FAT
This is the layer immediately below the skin. Primarily due to genetics or lifestyle factors, a thick subcutaneous layer can lead to the appearance of fullness underneath the chin or throughout the neck and result in loss of the neckline and jawline contours. (Liposuction is the tool we use to address this problem.)
PLATYSMA
This is a sheath of muscle that starts from the lower aspect of your face down to the collarbone and is found underneath the subcutaneous fat. There are usually two parts running vertically - one on each side of the neck - and a partial absence of muscle in between. An overactive platysma can result in a sinewy appearance to the neck. On the other hand, if the muscle becomes loose and redundant with age, individual vertical bands appear throughout the neck, usually centrally. This leads to the dreaded ‘turkey neck’ appearance.
DEEP NECK/SUBPLATYSMAL FAT
This is a different fatty layer located in between and deep to the platysma. Accumulation of fat can contribute to a whole host of issues - fullness underneath the chin (“double chin”), extra tissue throughout the neck, and loss of angles/contours. This fat cannot be liposuctioned but must be sculpted out through surgical incisions.
Often it is not just one layer that is affected but a combination of the above. This is why it’s so important to custom tailor the treatment to each person individually.
There are both nonsurgical and surgical options for neck rejuvenation. Depending on your individual goals and expectations, one or more of these may be the answer for you!
NONSURGICAL OPTIONS FOR NECK REJUVENATION
NEUROTOXIN FOR NECK BANDS
One of the first signs of aging in the neck area is the appearance of vertical neck bands. We can address this concern effectively using DermaSmooth, also known as neurotoxin injections. This treatment is minimally invasive and works by relaxing the neck muscles responsible for creating these bands. This results in a smoother, more youthful neck appearance with maintenance injections every 2-4 months.
MIRACELL NECK + EXOSOMES
This nonsurgical approach combines the cutting-edge technology of radiofrequency microneedling with topical exosomes (stem-cell therapy). Gentle, yet effective, this innovative approach boosts collagen and elastin production exponentially, leading to tighter and brighter skin. This is an excellent option for patients seeking a noninvasive yet impactful solution or for those looking to maintain skin elasticity. It is recommended to start with a series of three treatments spaced one month apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3-6 months.
PLASMATITE
PlasmaTite is a revolutionary minimally invasive technique that combines radiofrequency energy and helium plasma to contract the collagen fibers of the skin and promote new collagen formation over time. The device, which is inserted underneath the skin, causes a visible tightening of both the jowl and neck skin, and results can last up to 6-8 years. It’s a fantastic option for those looking for an obvious improvement with minimal downtime. PlasmaTite can be performed alone or in combination with a surgical procedure (see below).
SURGICAL PROCEDURES FOR NECK REJUVENATION
If you’re seeking more dramatic and lasting results, our board certified facial plastic surgeons specialize in several surgical neck rejuvenation techniques:
CHIN LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction can be performed starting from the lower part of the face ( jowl region) all the way down to your collarbone. This technique removes stubborn fat deposits in the subcutaneous layer of your skin. This is the fat that is usually responsive to weight loss. If you have substantial subcutaneous fat, then liposuction may be the procedure for you. Results are permanent, but if you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, the remaining fat cells will respond to that change.
DEEP NECK LIFT
A deep neck lift can have many other names, such as “submentoplasty” or “platysmaplasty”. The key here is to address any deep fatty tissue, glands, and/or muscle that is contributing to the fullness of the region between the chin and neck. A single incision is made behind the chin, and sculpting is performed to achieve a defined neck angle and jawline. You may be a candidate if you are young and have good skin elasticity but stubborn fullness in the neck area alone that is resistant to weight loss. Results are permanent.
LIMITED INCISION NECK LIFT
A limited incision neck lift addresses everything a deep neck lift does in addition to loose skin. Aside from the single incision underneath the chin, short incisions are made along the base of the earlobe and hidden behind the ear. These incisions are well-camouflaged and allow the excess skin to be removed from the neck. You may be a candidate if you have both loose skin and muscle. While this does not stop the process of skin aging, results tend to last a decade.
STUNNING TRANSFORMATIONS
CLINICAL SKINCARE FOR POST-OP MAINTENANCE
Whichever procedure(s) you choose, maintaining the results of your neck rejuvenation is crucial. We recommend incorporating clinical products into your daily skincare routine:
CLINICAL GRADE VITAMIN C 15%+
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps combat the signs of aging, brighten the skin, and stimulate collagen production. Our clinical-grade C-Ray Vitamin C Serum is formulated with Ferulic acid to keep your neck fresh and youthful.
SKINCEUTICALS TRIPEPTIDE-R NECK REPAIR
Specifically designed for the neck area, this product is powered by 0.2% retinol and 2.5% tripeptide concentrate to help to reduce horizontal neck lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness, crepiness, and uneven skin tone.
The neck is a delicate area that plays a significant role in your overall appearance. Whether you prefer nonsurgical options or are considering surgical procedures, AIREM offers what you need to help you achieve the youthful, balanced neckline you desire. Visit the U.S.’s first Clinical K-Beauty medical spa in NYC, the Hamptons, or Syosset to achieve timeless beauty and aesthetic wellness.
